Drivers should slow down to avoid hitting deer

Drivers need to slow down and stay alert to avoid deer-vehicle collisions this fall, when the animals' breeding season increases the risk of accidents, according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

"Deer and auto collisions increase dramatically when the animals are breeding, or 'rutting,' between October and December because deer are crossing roads and highways more frequently in search of mates," district ecologist Brian Kraskiewicz said.

According to State Farm Insurance, Illinois ranks 33rd in the nation for deer-vehicle accidents. A driver in the state has a 1-in-199 chance of having a collision, but there are ways to help lower the risk.

• Reduce your speed and watch for deer on the edge of the road, especially at dawn and dusk. They're common along woods, fields, fence rows and waterways, but you can encounter them almost anywhere.

• Make a note of where you've seen deer before.

• Be careful when going around curves or when approaching favored deer crossings.

• If you see a deer cross safely in front of your car, slow down and expect more to follow.

• Don't assume a deer in the road will run off as you approach.

• Don't use your horn unless it looks like you are going to collide with a deer. Distant noise may confuse the deer. Close noise may produce an extra burst of speed from the animal, but there is no way to predict how a deer will respond.

• Heed deer-warning signs. They are placed in areas where deer-auto collisions are likely to occur.

• Do not swerve to avoid deer. Slow to a stop and wait. Flash your headlights to encourage the animals to move.

If an accident does occur, drivers and passengers should not attempt to remove dead or injured deer from busy roads. Instead, they should contact local law enforcement for help. Illinois law requires drivers to report to the police any deer-related accident that has more than $1,500 in damage.

"Following these steps and driving a little more cautiously can prevent deer-vehicle collisions," Forest District President Joe Cantore said.